Table 1 Study characteristics and methodological quality of included studies
Study characteristic | Frequency [N = 84 studies] |
|---|---|
Study design | Â |
   Cross sectional | 60 (71%) |
   Case-control | 24 (29%) |
Blinded assessment of NAA test and reference standard results | Â |
   Double or single blinded | 29 (34%) |
   Unblinded or Unknown | 55 (66%) |
Target sequence for amplification | Â |
   IS6110 | 54 (64%) |
   Other target sequences | 30 (36%) |
Use of chemical-based DNA extraction method | Â |
   Any chemical method | 55 (66%) |
   Physical methods | 29 (34%) |
Amplification technique | Â |
   Nested or semi-nested PCR | 16 (19%) |
   Regular or multi-plex PCR | 68 (81%) |
Detection of amplified products | Â |
   Probe-based method | 49 (58%) |
   Gel-UV method | 35 (42%) |